Predictors and Consequences of Simultaneous Alcohol and Cannabis Use in Adolescents
Article [Author's Original]
Is part of
Addictive behaviors ; vol. 37, no. 7, pp. 785-788.Abstract(s)
Background/Aims: The simultaneous use of alcohol and cannabis is common among adolescents, but has been
little studied. In this study, we examine predictors and consequences of this behavior in a population-based
sample of high school students.
Method: Self-reports were obtained from students in Quebec (Canada) followed throughout high school
(N=6589). Logistic regressions were used to test the association between individual, family, and peerrelated
predictors in grades 7–8 and simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use in grade 10, as well as between
simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use in grade 10 and experiencing 3 or more substance-related problems of
various types (legal, physical, etc.) in grade 11.
Results: Most predictors in grades 7–8 were associated with simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use in grade
10. Only variables reflecting early-onset substance use involvement — alcohol intoxication, cannabis use, and
drug use by close friend(s) — remained predictive in a multivariate model. Simultaneous alcohol and cannabis
use was associated with increased substance-related problems in grade 11, above and beyond baseline
problems and the concurrent use of the two substances in separate episodes in grade 10.
Conclusions: Simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use 1) is anticipated by multiple psychosocial risk factors
which come together with individual and peer substance use in early high school and 2) is independently
predictive of subsequent substance-related problems. Providing adolescents with adequate information
regarding the potential harm of simultaneous use may be a useful prevention strategy.
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